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World’s Top Travel Publications Name Canada and Alberta as Place to Be in 2017

2017 marks the 150th anniversary of our confederation, when the colonies came together to create the country of Canada. Year-long celebrations are underway and it appears the world wants to join the party. The New York Times just named Canada number one on its “52 Places to Go” for 2017, no small honour. Lonely Planet said so, too. Even Vogue magazine chimed in, including Canada in its top five places to travel solo. National Geographic Traveler shines the spotlight on Alberta, naming Banff to its 2017 “Best of the World” list. And Condé Nast Traveller named Canada to its “Top 10 Destinations to Watch For” in 2017.

Every year for the past 12 years, the travel section of the New York Times puts together its 52 Places to Go list. Canada came out on top for all right reasons. It’s our 150th anniversary, we have a diversity of geography celebrated in more than 200 national parks – all of which have free entry for 2017. Then there’s that extra bonus of a weak Canadian dollar, meaning international visitors can save a bundle.

In a separate salute, Lonely Planet’s annual Best in Travel publication has named Canada as the top country to visit in 2017. It goes on to list the top 25 highlights, with Alberta earning three mentions: our Canadian Rockies came in at No. 2, followed by the Calgary Stampede (No. 15) and Drumheller (No. 16). Not too shabby. Canadian Rockies scenery dominates the video.

Canada made this list as an ideal place for a woman to “experience the joys and freedom of traveling alone.” Mention is made of our 150th, free national parks passes, benefits of a weak Canadian dollar, along with being a “beautiful, friendly country to visit alone year-round.”

In late 2016, Banff National Park was named by National Geographic Traveler – which has the largest audience of any travel magazine – as one of its Best of the World destinations for 2017. Banff earned the accolade through a competitive process involving the publication’s network of editors, writers, and explorers. The honour is even more appropriate for our oldest national park in a year where admission to all the national parks is free. Interesting how so many of the travel editors mentioned this!

Last but certainly not least, Condé Nast Traveller has included Canada in its Top 10 Destinations to Watch For in 2017. A photograph of an alpine lake in the Canadian Rockies dominates the story. Our 150th is mentioned, with a shout-out to the yearlong series of parties and cultural events, along with kudos to our dynamic cities and outdoor pursuits.